Michigan v. Ohio: breakdancers battled it out in Detroit to prove who moves best

DETROIT, MI — With a DJ spinning loud mixes and a crowd huddled around the mat, breakdancers from all over Michigan and Ohio battled to see which state has the best moves.

After the end of the 2014 Cinco de Mayo parade in Detroit, Sunday May 4, dancers and viewers convened at 555 Nonprofit Gallery and Studios at 21st Street and Vernor for the battle. The breakdancing group Motor City Rockerz put on the event, inviting dancers from Michigan and Ohio to compete.

David Bazan, 24, of Holland, was invited through Facebook. Bazan, who has been dancing since 2003, said, "I just came out to support and have some fun."

He said he got into breakdancing for the community that hip hop creates.

"Everybody coming together no matter what race they are," Bazan said. "We don't even know each other, we just come for one thing."

Before the official battle began, anyone was welcome to perform. Misti Conley, 21, of Muskegon, showed off her passion for dancing before the event started.

Even 6-year-old Elon Howard, of Detroit, jumped into the middle of the group and proved his moves.

Check out the gallery above to see what it takes to battle on the breakdancing floor, and let us know what you think.

Katie Bailey is a photographer and general assignment reporter for MLive Detroit. Email her at Katie_Bailey@mlive.com, and follow her on Twitter.